Declining since 2011, #2,719 for girls today.
Popularity of Joslyn since 1930
Babies named Joslyn per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1930s | 10 |
| 1940s | 31 |
| 1950s | 407 |
| 1960s | 231 |
| 1970s | 547 |
| 1980s | 954 |
| 1990s | 1,591 |
| 2000s | 3,369 |
| 2010s | 3,380 |
| 2020s | 707 |
Meaning & origin
Joslyn is a modern spelling variant of the medieval name Jocelyn, which entered English after the Norman Conquest from Old French Joscelin. The name's ultimate root is the Germanic Gautselin, a diminutive referencing the Gauts, an ancient tribe connected to the Geats and Goths. Joslyn first appeared on U.S. records in 1930 but saw its peak popularity in 2010, reaching rank 2,719 in 2025 with a frequency of 1 in 25,512. Its trajectory has been falling since 2011, with top usage in Tennessee and Ohio. The name's similarity to other modern -lyn composites like Kailyn and Jaelyn reflects a broader trend in feminine name styling.
Joslyn is a modern spelling variant of Jocelyn, itself derived from the Old French Joscelin, which was brought to England after the Norman Conquest. The root is the Germanic personal name Gautselin, a diminutive of names beginning with Gaut-, referring to the ancient Germanic tribe the Gauts (related to the Geats and Goths). Historically, Jocelyn was used for both sexes but became predominantly feminine in the 20th century.
Where Joslyn is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Josie, Joss, Lyn, Jo
Sibling names for Joslyn
Names that share Joslyn's style, for a brother or sister.
Names like Joslyn
Names whose popularity has moved with Joslyn's over the last 50 years.
